Location: Invasive Insect Biocontrol & Behavior Laboratory
Project Number: 8042-10400-001-009-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Jul 22, 2026
End Date: Dec 31, 2027
Objective:
The objectives of the research include: (1) to develop and evaluate new systemic acaricidal compounds-based deer-targeted tick control products against the lone star tick and blacklegged tick; (2) to examine potential synergistic effects of acaricides and repellent compounds at residential properties in reducing tick population density and tick encounter; (3) to assess tick control efficacy of the integrated tick management (ITM) strategy that include deer-targeted control product, acaricide spray, and/or a spatial repellent product strategically deployed throughout the tick season; and (4) to promote adoption of the new integrated tick management strategies through public outreach to local communities /engagement with all stakeholders.
Approach:
In-house tick control project research protocols will be jointly developed. Appropriate permits will be obtained for animal work at the university research facilities and/or field locations in the State of Massachusetts or elsewhere. New tick control products targeting white-tailed deer, the keystone host of the lone star tick and blacklegged tick, will be developed and evaluated for use in areawide tick population suppression. To develop and evaluate new systemic acaricide-based deer feed / bait for control of ticks feeding on white-tailed deer, acaricidal compounds, macrocyclic lactones (ivermectin, moxidectin) and isoxazolines (fluralaner, lotilaner), will be obtained from either commercial sources or industry sources and used to formulate medicated deer feeds/baits by mixing with corn. Medicated corn will be fed to penned deer at the white-tailed deer research facility of UMass to establish serum concentrations at different bait concentrations. The tick-killing efficacy data will be collected by infesting experimental deer with nymphal and adult ticks. We will fully utilize the expertise of cooperating partners, including University attending veterinarians, during the process to identify a viable path forward for testing these active ingredients. Efficacy of acaricides and spatial repellents in reducing tick population density and tick encounter at residential areas will be conducted by treating residential perimeters with residual pyrethroid acaricide sprays and/or deployment of emanators of a volatile repellent compound along the borderline between residential properties and surrounding wooded areas. The effectiveness of acaricide treatments will be evaluated by comparing the tick population density, pathogen infection prevalence of ticks, and human encounter (reported tick bite) at treated residential properties with those of untreated “Control” sites. An integrated tick management (ITM) will be designed and implemented at Chappaquiddick Island, part of the Martha’s Vinyard in Massachusetts. The ITM plan includes the new deer-targeted control product, acaricide spray, and/or a spatial repellent product strategically deployed throughout the tick season. Local governing boards will be consulted at the project preparation phase to receive permission for the project. Town hall meetings will be held to inform community leaders and residents about the specifics of the project and while also receiving inputs / feedback from the communities that may help overcome any potential hurdles to the project. An informational package will be prepared and provided to property owners as part of homeowners’ recruitment effort to invite their participation in the study. The local governing board and community members will be informed of research progress and findings at the conclusion of the study through newsletters or town hall meetings when necessary.